Bayonet Training Manual Used by the British Forces

by Anonymous

Lesson III.

TO EXECUTE THE SHORT THRUST.

Shift the left hand quickly towards the muzzle and draw the rifle back to the full extent of the right arm, the butt either upwards or downwards as a low or a high thrust is to be made, then deliver the thrust vigorously to the full extent of the left arm.

The short thrust is used at a range of about three feet, and, in close fighting, it is the natural thrust to make when the bayonet has just been withdrawn after a long thrust. If a strong withdrawal is necessary, the right hand should be slipped above the rear sight after the short thrust has been made.

PLATE IV.—“SHORT THRUST.”

Practice:

The principles of the three practices of Lesson I should be observed so far as they apply. By placing two discs on a dummy, the short thrust should be taught in conjunction with the long thrust, the first disc being transfixed with the latter, the second disc with the former. On delivery of the long thrust, if the left foot is forward, the short thrust would take place with the right foot forward, and vice versa.

PLATE V.—“JAB.”

Parries will be practised from the position of the short thrust.